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Brief Summary

Rinker created the Captiva 276 BR to be roomy, amenity-rich, and focused on value. She probably has more storage than virtually any bowrider in class and she's large enough to have yacht certification. She is also ergonomically correct from bow to stern. If you have not taken a serious look at a Rinker lately, we suggest that you make the time to look at the 276 BR as we think she has been well-executed. Her starting price is $58,999 with a 300-hp MerCruiser 350 MAG engine.

Key Features

Specifications

Length Overall

28' 11'' 8.81 m

Beam

9' 0'' 2.74 m

Dry Weight

5,765 lbs. 2,612 kg

Tested Weight

N/A

Draft

22'' 55 cm

- Draft Up

N/A

- Draft Down

N/A

- Air Draft

N/A

Deadrise/Transom

N/A

Max Headroom

open

Bridge Clearance

N/A

Weight Capacity

N/A

Person Capacity

N/A

Fuel Capacity

75 gal. 321.7 L

Water Capacity

N/A

Length on Trailer

N/A

Height on Trailer

N/A

Trailer Weight

N/A

Total Weight(Trailer, Boat, & Engine)

N/A

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.

Engine Options

Std. Power

Not Available

Tested Power

Currently no test numbers

Opt. Power

Not Available

To View All Test Numbers

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Captain's Report

Captain's Report by Capt. Steve--

Mission Statement

The Captiva line-up consists of 16 boats all focused on value. The 276 BR is roomy, and well-equipped for entertaining and watersports. She has also been carefully designed to have little touches of comfort that many builders miss. While the 276 BR is at the higher end of the Captiva spectrum, Rinker has kept the price competitive.

Notice the added Bimini behind the optional arch, and as expected the bow walk-through can be closed off to form an air dam.

Distinguishing Features

Some of the distinguishing features of the Captiva 276 BR include:•

Two in-deck ski lockers.

It's not uncommon for a bowrider to have a ski locker in the deck, but it is unusual to have two, and both of these are roomy. In my opinion, this is a great use of space that would otherwise simply be a void area.•

All poly-lined storage.

This means no unfinished edges, no rough surfaces, easy to clean compartments -- and no spackle paint inside the storage areas.•

Shelved storage under console.

While everybody has storage under the helm console few, if any, have shelf space added to the storage. The shelf even has a raised lip to keep items from sliding out. This makes for an efficient use of storage space, and the shelf is even designed to accommodate the stereo in a protected environment.•

Wraparound helm panel.

This is a clever solution to adding more features to the panel without having to make it wider. The Captiva 276 BR helm panel wraps around allowing additional electrical switches and larger gauges to be added without increasing panel space that would impede the walk-through to the bow.•

Electronic engine hatch lift.

This is one of the most unusual -- and most welcome -- standard items on the 276 BR. While these devices are usually standard on high-price point boats, they are rarely seen in this class.

The Rinker 276 BR has a dry weight of 5,765 lbs (2,612 kgs.) which puts her at the high end of weight in her class which means the builder has not skimped on materials or pulled the boat out on the ends to make her seem larger than she really is.

•

Gull wing storage over engine box.

Instead of just having a large sunpad that lifts to reveal storage, the 276 has her aft storage divided into two large compartments with hatches that open to port and starboard.•

Center cockpit walk-through.

Instead of the walk-through from the swim platform to the cockpit being off to the starboard side, the 276 BR has its walk-through along the centerline. While we've seen this done before, it's worth noting as it provides a much safer walking area especially for the more land bound guests. A simple fall to one side will have you landing on a cushion as opposed to in the water. Also, there is a hinged cushion that that swings into place to fill the walkway and a large sunpad is created.•

Aft-facing transom seats.

While the boat is at anchor or beached, this makes a great place to relax while watching the action off the stern. You've even got control of the entertainment center, and the cushions open gull-wing style opposing the cushions over the engine hatch. There is more storage under each of the seats.•

Seven standard hull colors.

Regular readers know that we like colored hull sides on boats, but they are an expensive option on most boats. Not so with the Rinker 276 BR. •

Color GPS.

The instrument panel of the 276 BR has been carefully designed to accept a color GPS movable map screen right in the center. This signals that the boat is intended to be used for more than just blasting around a small lake. •

Fiddles on Corian counter tops

. It is a small thing, but one that we so rarely see on powerboats that we feel it is noteworthy because it shows us that this boat has been designed by people who know what they doing. It also signals that things that can't be readily seen are more likely to be done right as well.•

Expertly designed helm.

Frankly most helm stations and instrument panels in this class of sportboat are pretty much the same. Again, for the 276 BR stands apart in my opinion. This is one of the most unusual and ergonomically-friendly helms we have seen. See below for the details.

The Captiva 276 BR has a centerline walk-through running all the way from swim platform to the bow.

Major Features

There are too many amenities on the 276 BR to mention in this report, however here are a few standard items that are often optional on many boats in class-- •Snap-in Berber carpet. •Both the helm and the companion seats have flip-up bolsters. •Transom shower. •Sink with pressure water. •LED lights in the engine room. •Trash receptacle with lift-out container. •Self-bailing cockpit.

Features Walk-Through

Bow

Fully forward the 276 features an anchor locker with a cradle to support the Danforth. The locker also houses a 4-step beach reboarding ladder with stainless steel construction and padded steps. The hatch opens from the side and is secured with two stainless hinges. A cutout in the center of the hatch is ringed with stainless steel and serves as a handhold when using the bow ladder. There is an option for adding an anchor windlass with a stainless steel roller, 130’ (39.6 m) of rode and 30’ (9.1 m) of chain.

Bow Seating

The U-shaped seating in the bow is roomy enough for two people to lounge in comfort while facing forward and certainly 3 – 4 people can sit while enjoying lunch on the standard pedestal table, which stows conveniently in the head. Stainless grab handles are to the insides of the caprails and an abundance of drink holders will do their usual job of holding "stuff" as well as a drink or two.

There is storage under all forward seats and a stainless grab rail located inboard of the caprails. Stainless steel speaker covers are standard.

Walk-Through

The windshield walk-through is closable and a lower door will block air on the cool mornings. An in-deck ski locker is located in the center of the walk-through, and while the compartment is fully lined, I'd like to see the addition of rubber matting to further protect expensive gear.To starboard is a door to access the storage under the helm console and I'm happy to see that Rinker thoughtfully provided shelf space in this compartment which, in my experience, doubles the storage capacity of the compartment. Piling things into a compartment is nowhere near as efficient as adding gear to a middle mounted shelf. This shelf also has a fiddle to keep items from sliding out when's the door is opened, and it's even designed to accommodate the standard stereo in a protected environment.

A premium stereo is included as standard, an optional stereo (shown here) includes 6 months of Sirius Satellite Radio. Both will be mounted to this shelf inside the helm console storage compartment with a standard remote at the helm and transom.

Helm

Clever solution.

The helm of the Captiva 276 BR is a fully fiberglassed insert that wraps around to significantly add more functionality while not increasing the width of the helm that would impede on the available space of the walk-through. I think this is a clever solution to a problem and the over-all design of the helm is one of the coolest I have seen in class.

Instrument panel.

The 5-position power tilt wheel is flattened at the bottom to allow just a little bit more leg room. All rocker switches are waterproof and lighted. Icons on all switches will allow for quick international recognition. Circuit breakers are located just underneath each switch. Large multifunction gauges cut down on the clutter and in the center of the panel is the standard color GPS.

Arm rest.

The throttle is mounted to a large molded armrest that was certainly not created as an afterthought. There is a padded arm rest outboard of the throttle and shift lever which is something missing on many boats in class. The helm module can be color matched to the hull as an option, and there is a foot rest. The MerCruiser Digital Throttle and Shift System (DTS), Perfect Pass speed control system, or the Volvo Penta electronic vessel control (EVC) are also available.

The wraparound helm includes rocker controls with LED indicators for the standard trim tabs to the right of the panel. The sport wheel is on a tilt base mount and connected to power steering.A standard GPS mounts to the center of the helm panel. Just below and to the right is a standard digital depth gauge.

Head

A fully fiberglass lined head compartment is in the port side console and features a standard Porta-Potti. An opening portlight is against the portside bulkhead and the compartment also includes dedicated storage for the standard cockpit pedestal table which mounts in bases located in both the cockpit and bow. Rinker also offers an optional pump out head system.

The head compartment is roomy enough to serve as a changing room and includes an opening portlight for ventilation.

Cockpit

The 276 BR cockpit is well laid out for entertaining, gathering, and for being comfortable while underway. The dual forward bucket seats slide and swivel around to join the crowd at the J-shaped seating. Between the two bucket seats is a second in-deck storage compartment. Just abaft the helm seat is a refreshment center with sink, trash receptacle, and carry-on cooler.

The cockpit J seating has storage underneath and blends nicely with a refreshment center and forward swivel bucket seats.The cockpit is well laid out to form an intimate gathering area that includes a refreshment center to starboard. Between the seats you can see the second in-deck storage compartment and behind that a pedestal base for the standard cockpit table.I like a carry-on cooler as you can load it up at home and bring it aboard. Notice the Corian counters with fiddles. And the J-shaped seating has padded armrests at the ends.

Abaft the Cockpit

The transom is accessed via a centerline walk-through. The standard snap-in carpet comes in multiple pieces and attaches to a nonskid surface underneath. A hinged filler cushion swings into the walkway to form a large sunpad.

The engine hatch is on a standard electric lift and there are dual pads to either side of the centerline walk-through. The cushions open outboard to access the storage underneath and with the location on top of the warm engine, this makes a great place to store wet gear to dry out. The dual hatches are supported by gas struts but they are located in the center of the hatch. They would be less of an imposition if they were over to the side. To the port hand side a filler cushion is attached to hinges that allow it to flip-out into position over the walkway.

I know what you're thinking… but do not worry. That GX48 vinyl is not only mildew and microbial resistant, but treated with a stain inhibitor so her blue bathing suit will not leave any marks. The arch is optional.The aft seats have storage underneath, there are additional stainless grill speakers and a stereo remote is at the aft end of the centerline walk-through.

Rumble seats.

There are aft facing rumble seats that make a perfect location to watch the action off the stern while at anchor or beached. Both cushions flip open to reveal even more storage underneath, and to the starboard side is the battery management system. The full beam swim platform has pull-up cleats in the corners and dual hatches give you a choice for mounting the reboarding ladder to the port or starboard quarter.

The 276 appears to cruise at a roughly 5–degree bow high attitude which should provide a dry ride for the forward occupants. The arch is an option and it is one of the best-looking I've seen in class.

Observations

The Rinker Captiva 276 BR is clearly a well thought-out design that accommodates large crowds whether the float plan calls for watersports, on the water entertaining, day cruising, or docktails.

Needed options.

The proof of how well this boat is equipped is that when I go down the option list the only thing I see that is needed are lines, fenders, ground tackle and a canvas cover, plus the USCG safety package. This is as short a list as you will find on virtually any boat. A couple of items caught my eye on the option list. The first is the notation that Rinker will build the boat with "custom gel coat colors." That is highly unusual and so if you have a favorite odd color, you should call a Rinker dealer and find out more about this. The other thing we noted is that Rinker will install engines up to 430-hp. I am particularly pleased to see the fine execution of design in the Captiva 276 BR, something that is typical in the new generation of Rinker boats. As with all Rinker's, this 276 is priced to remain competitive starting at $58,999.